The new issue of „Progress in Medical Sciences” is devoted to selected problems of arterial hypertension.

The significance of uric acid as a factor in the development of arterial hypertension and complications in the cardiovascular system is discussed. A lot of attention in world literature has recently been devoted to this issue. An important problem has also been the increasing influence of arterial hypertension and diabetes on the impairment of cognitive functions. Study results were quoted which indicate that hypotensive treatment decreases the risk of development of dementia in patients with arterial hypertension. Some problems connected with diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism and pheochromocytoma are discussed. These two forms of arterial hypertension are still at the centre of attention of numerous clinical centres.

The significance of genetic studies as an essential diagnostic element of pheochromocytoma is emphasized. Also the important problem from the clinical point of view of the markers of kidney damage is raised. The need to work out a diagnostic set which would enable detection of kidney damage before the symptomatic stage of disease is noted.

Numerous facts indicating the adverse influence of an excess of sodium in the diet – favouring development of hypertension and cardiovascular complications – are quoted. The need to limit the consumption of table salt as a method to prevent arterial hypertension is indicated.

The place of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and sartans in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the perspective of the HOPE, ONARGET and TRANSCEND study results is discussed.

Attention is paid to the current problem of hypertensive treatment in patients with hypertension in very advanced age based on HYVET study results.

A historical outline is presented which aims to look at studies of important significance for the progress of knowledge about arterial hypertension.